Lighting up Washington: WSU College of Nursing helps lead the National Nurses Week movement

Washington State University College of Nursing is helping lead a growing national effort to elevate the visibility and impact of nurses this May through a partnership with the American Nurses Association and the "Nurses Light Up the Sky" campaign.

The campaign is part of National Nurses Week, an annual celebration recognizing the profession's far-reaching impact on healthcare, communities, and patient outcomes. Throughout the week, buildings and landmarks across the nation light the sky red in honor of nurses and their impact.

"This week is an opportunity to not only celebrate nurses, but to demonstrate how WSU nursing students and graduates are shaping the future of healthcare across the nation," said Anne Mason, interim dean of the WSU College of Nursing.

The initiative is designed not only as a visual tribute but also to raise public awareness, inspire community engagement, and spark a national conversation about the profession. WSU is expanding its role this year, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to connect the local celebration with national momentum from May 6-12.

This week is an opportunity to not only celebrate nurses, but to demonstrate how WSU nursing students and graduates are shaping the future of healthcare…

Last year, more than 200 locations nationwide participated in the campaign, with even broader participation expected as organizations, including WSU, increase their involvement. This year - in addition to lighting up WSU Health Sciences' Spokane CCRS Building, the Gesa Pavilion, Spokane Regional Health District, MultiCare Deaconess Hospital, MultiCare Valley Hospital, MultiCare Rockwood, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, and Providence Holy Family Hospital - WSU Pullman's Bryan Clock Tower, WSU Vancouver, and WSU Tri-Cities will also be brightly lit to honor nurses.

"Coug Nurses are making an impact in every corner of healthcare," Mason said. "Lighting up locations statewide underscores the growing demand for nurses and nurse educators and the importance of investing in our profession's future."

Celebrate with the College of Nursing

This year's campaign includes increased student engagement, community storytelling, and opportunities for the public to acknowledge nurses who have made a difference in their lives. Through initiatives like "Celebrate a Nurse," the college is inviting individuals to share stories that reflect the profession's influence on patients, families, and communities.

As communities nationwide light up the sky, the College of Nursing is helping amplify a message that extends well beyond a single week: the power of nurses to transform health, strengthen communities, and shape the future of healthcare.